Words could never express the gratitude I feel…and the connection that will always be felt, following the passing of Debbie Marin. The biggest reason I feel compelled to write this, and share with all of you, these thoughts and feelings would be the self-less commitment to my son Jared. Those that know the story can get a sense of why this is truly meaningful. I, losing my mother at a young and vulnerable age, do grieve that same reality for Ryan and Chris, her son’s…my heart reaches out to Dan her Husband…and there is Jared, my son…who faces such loss as if he would be yet, similar in spirit, but differing from Ryan, Chris or myself…as a continuation of life…as a motherless son.

It may not be that Jared …is such…a motherless son, but it is that emotional attachment…the “spiritual” and “inter-relational” connection, that will be grieved. The grieving of one who has been lost at such a young age, will always include…all those questions of why…”why now” , “why so young”…could this not have been prevented…is there social justice for women and equity when it comes to health care attitudes and the way the health care system responds to women with heart disease and/or diabetes.

While so much money is being raised…in the name of “a cure”…with the Pink Ribbon Phenomenon…as the biggest example…how much is this “exploitation” a social justice issue in it’s own right. Of all the organizations, charities and “marketing strategists” attached to the “cure” and “research enterprise”, how much of these funds raised are actually making their way into front-line cures, treatment or rehabilitation and education. This thought comes at a time when a Cardiac Rehab Program at the University of Windsor, where I teach…a program in which I have watched struggle with the funding issues for many years…is at risk of ending…at a time when such programs need to expand…and be available for women and men…women like Debbie Marin…and closer to where she lives…or available at the local school, library…or any community centre in which there are dozens in the community of Windsor, with rooms empty…and programs not existent.

So, to the memory of Debbie Marin…others like her who have diabetes, heart disease…or simply would like to remain healthy and fit…I will be here as a consultant…and a source of information and inspiration. Healthy living, Healthy Families and Healthy Communities, I will forever will be committed to help support in Community Development initiatives and The movement to Actualizing Primary Health Care Reform.

Thank you for supporting the “community driven, community evident” charities in your community. Please ask yourself if your charitable dollars are making a difference…In your community…and in regard to making a difference in peoples quality of life. Get a sense of what is “exploitation” and what is “charitable works”…see hear.

Thanks…and BE Well, BE WELL-intentioned,

Dave